It was a year of revivals in every sense, as venues threw open their doors again. From fresh takes on classics to blazing new talents and shows that captured the current moment, our critics pick their favourites of the yearTHEATRE Continue reading…
Continue ReadingChaotic life, lots of sex, little sense of purpose … the Anglo-Aussie’s hilarious takedown of Fleabag and the booming ‘messy-woman genre’ was halted by Covid. Now, after a year and a half of worry, it’s finally backGiven the content of her smash-hit co…
Continue ReadingWhether it’s a Spielberg musical, a global photography prize or a comedy Christmas show, our critics have your plans for the week coveredWest Side StoryOut nowSteven Spielberg takes on the classic musical (above), pitting Sharks against Jets in 1950s N…
Continue ReadingBrighton DomeThe comedy writers behind one of the BBC’s most successful series perform an entertaining, behind-the-scenes double act ‘If you’re going to cry, cry tears of laughter,” they sing. “Your funny bone can never break in two.” The lyrics are fr…
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, LondonThis odd-couple double act of east London MC and toffee-nosed children’s entertainer are great fun for adultsThe world of children’s entertainment has provided a rich seam for comedians: see Justin Edwards’ alcoholic clown Jeremy Li…
Continue ReadingLondon PalladiumThe clubbable comic casts himself as master of ceremonies in a self-effacing musical story of his life – with celeb mimicry‘I’ve done so many strange things in my career,” says Rob Brydon – not the least of which is journeying from the …
Continue ReadingAbove the Stag, LondonThe gags come thick and fast in this bawdy adult panto, which is set in a funeral parlour and channels Joe OrtonWho loves Dick? It’s hard not to in the bawdy adult panto from Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper. Dick Whittington: A Ne…
Continue ReadingMenier Chocolate Factory, LondonThe misadventures of a hapless hero led astray by his false friend are funny but don’t quite fill three dimensionsThere was a setback last month for this play inspired by a hit podcast when co-writer and performer Harry …
Continue ReadingHaley McGee, James McNicholas and Mo Gilligan talk about the tricky business of turning stage performances into a reading experienceWhen developing her solo show The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale, theatre-maker Haley McGee was struggling for an ending. “A fri…
Continue ReadingWhether it is epic sci-fi, hilarious standup or a new album to listen to, our critics have your plans for this week coveredBigfoot HuntersOut nowHarking back to the days when first-time directors would borrow a camcorder and make an essentially zero-bu…
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